How to Care for a Hatchling Green Tree Python

Green tree pythons can be bred in captivity, and hatchling snakes are often available at reptile shows or in pet shops. While the adults are mostly green, the hatchlings are brightly colored. They can be yellow, orange, red or even blue. Green tree pythons are constrictors, and the hatchlings feed on small mice and rats. They are tropical snakes, and they need a humid terrarium in order to shed properly.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon aquarium
  • Paper towels
  • Heat lamp
  • Thermometer
  • Water bowl
  • Hiding cave
  • Branches
  • Locking screen cover
  • Hand mister
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line the bottom of a 10-gallon aquarium with several layers of paper towels. Paper towels are easy to clean.

    • 2

      Add a water bowl large enough for the snake to curl up inside. Snakes like to soak for several days before shedding their skins. A large water bowl will also raise the humidity in the tank.

    • 3

      Add a cave large enough for the snake to hide in. You can purchase a cave from a pet store, or you can make one yourself by cutting a hole in a flower pot.

    • 4

      Add sturdy branches for the snake to climb on. Green tree pythons are arboreal, so they spend much of their time curled up on a perch.

    • 5

      Use a heat lamp to raise the temperature of the tank on one end so the snake can bask. The temperature on the warm end should be around 85 degrees. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

    • 6

      Cover the tank with a locking screen top so the snake cannot escape. The screen and clips can be purchased at a pet store. You may need to cover part of the screen with a piece of glass to prevent the humidity from dropping too low.

    • 7

      Mist the tank frequently to maintain a humidity level of 40 to 70 percent. The tank should not be kept wet, as too much humidity can cause infections.

    • 8

      Feed the baby snake once a week. The hatchling should be fed pinky mice no larger than its own head. When there is no discernible lump in the snake's body, it's time to feed again.